Louise - everyone's situation is different so it's hard to make suggestions as to what can be done. Permaculture goes beyond the garden but a lot of us are a little more locked-in on our current situation. Another idea is to make hugelkultur beds or berms. It's more a premise of disposing of the excess carbon in fallen tree branches while enriching soil. Some are even experimenting with more of a level hugel bed rather than the raised mounds. Using rainwater or making a rain water garden that can, at times, survive going dry. Lots of ideas because permaculture covers a broad range of practices.
